How to Identify and Treat Unhealthy Peace Lily Roots

The peace lily is a resilient houseplant, but its appearance can be deceiving. When issues like wilting or yellowing leaves arise, the problem often originates unseen within the soil. This guide provides a straightforward approach to diagnosing and resolving common peace lily root issues to restore your plant’s health.

Identifying Unhealthy Roots

The first clues of root trouble appear on the plant. A peace lily that droops persistently, even after being watered, is a common indicator. Lower leaves may turn yellow, or the plant’s growth may slow or stop. These signs suggest the roots are struggling to absorb water and nutrients.

To confirm your suspicions, inspect the roots directly. Gently slide the plant out of its pot, taking care not to damage the root ball. Healthy peace lily roots are firm to the touch and white or light tan. In contrast, unhealthy roots will appear dark brown or black, feel mushy or slimy, and may emit a distinct, foul odor.

Common Causes of Root Problems

The most frequent cause of unhealthy roots is root rot, a condition facilitated by overly wet soil. This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi, such as Pythium or Phytophthora, which thrive in waterlogged environments. When soil remains saturated, it deprives roots of oxygen, causing them to die and decay.

Overwatering is the primary contributor to these conditions. A pot without adequate drainage holes worsens this issue, as excess water cannot escape. The problem is the frequency of watering and the soil’s inability to dry out.

A pot that is too large for the plant can also cause problems, as the soil will hold more moisture and take longer to dry. Compacted soil that lacks proper aeration can also retain too much water, preventing roots from accessing oxygen.

How to Treat and Repot Your Peace Lily

Once you have identified root rot, follow these steps to treat your plant:

• Carefully remove the peace lily from its pot. Gently work the old soil away from the roots with your fingers, then rinse the root system under a gentle stream of room-temperature water to see the extent of the damage.
• Use clean, sterilized scissors or pruning shears to trim away any affected parts. All roots that are brown, black, and mushy must be removed. You should be left with only firm, healthy, white or light-tan root tissue to prevent the rot from spreading.
• Treat the remaining healthy roots for extra protection, though this step is optional. You can briefly dip the roots in a solution of one part 3% hydrogen peroxide to two parts water, or use a commercial fungicide according to package directions.
• Select a new pot with excellent drainage holes that is only slightly larger than the trimmed root ball. If reusing the original pot, scrub it thoroughly with a bleach solution to sterilize it.
• Repot your peace lily using a fresh, well-draining potting mix, such as one amended with perlite or orchid bark. Place the plant in the new pot, fill with the fresh mix, and water lightly to help the soil settle.

Preventing Future Root Issues

Proper watering is the best way to prevent root problems. Instead of a fixed schedule, check the soil by inserting your finger an inch or two deep. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water; if it is still moist, wait. Water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes, then discard any excess from the saucer.

Your choice of potting medium is also important. Peace lilies need soil that is well-aerated and drains quickly. Use a standard potting mix amended with ingredients like perlite, pumice, or orchid bark to create air pockets and help roots get the oxygen they need.

Always use pots that have drainage holes. These holes are the most effective defense against waterlogged soil, as they allow excess water to escape. Without proper drainage, even careful watering can lead to root decay over time.